Successful Turn Out at CB Gallery Project Reception 1; On Exhibit Through April

The CB Gallery Project Reception: 1 art opening in a vacant Peekskill storefront last Friday drew dozens of people interested in Peekskill artist Caitlyn Barrick's first time gallery and self-curated, interactive art opening.

Barrick saw a need to promote young artists in the area and was offered an empty storefront to show artwork so she jumped at the opportunity to put together a pop up gallery. 

At the on April 3, the gallery had a fresh coat of paint, a folding table bar, where Peekskill Brewery IPA and wine was served, a stage (the small platform in the front meant for window display) and even a fun photo booth in the back room. Check out the photos at CB Galleries on Facebook here. 

The show featured Barrick's fine art photography; artwork by John Agne, of Peekskill; photos by Robert Pizzolato, of Yorktown; and Brandon Cruz, a Cortlandt Manor native who now lives in Astoria. Local indie rock band This Old Ghost provided acoustic music for the event. 

The medium-sized storefront was packed with an attractive and stylish crowd full of 20 or 30-somethings. There were other, more seasoned local artists, who fit in well with the assortment of tattoo sleeves, creative piercings, grungy jackets and long facial hair, who mingled naturally with the cute dresses, stylish heels and bandanas. When labeled "hipster," one young woman asked to be identified as a "hudster" instead. 

What would a "hudster" be? Any "hip" young person living in the Hudson Valley. They are artists, musicians, writers, social service workers, graphic designers, bartenders and servers who live in and enjoy the area. Their counterparts may be found on New York City's L train heading to Brooklyn.  

At the very least, hudsters contribute a unique, eclectic and youthful style to the area. But they are also part of what keeps the Hudson Valley alive. They live, work and spend their paychecks in the city of Peekskill and surrounding towns.

Barrick saw a need to foster this group of talented and interesting people and an art opening seemed the perfect venue to do it. She took a risk self-curating a show but was pleased with the outcome, sold a few pieces and had a great turnout of friends and art lovers. Barrick plans to hold another opening in the next couple of months.

Reception: 1 will be hanging in the CB Gallery Project through the end of the month. Contact caitlyn.anne@gmail.com for gallery hours and to schedule a tour with the curator. The gallery is located at 106 N. Division Street.

Check with Patch for updates.